BRAC base closing process backgrounder

From the Dispatch/Argus:

The Dispatch also printed a helpful backgrounder on BRAC and it's functions.

What is BRAC?

BRAC stands for base realignment and closure. The term generally refers to the proceedure set in place to reduce the number of unnecessary bases and facilities. The goal of BRAC is to optimize military readiness through greater financial and operational efficiency.

What's going to happen?

Some military bases and facilities will be closed. Others will be realigned, either losing some current operations or gaining operations from other facilities.

What are the criteria used to decide which bases will be closed or realigned?

The Department of Defense announced in February that a facility's military value will be the prime consideration in all decisions regarding base realignment and closings. Military value will be judged on a facility's current and future capabilities and its impact on operational readiness; the availability and condition of land, facilities and associated airspace; the ability to accommodate contingency, mobilization, surge and future total force requirements; the cost of operations and the manpower implications.

Are other criteria being considered?

Once a facility's military value has been judged, the commission may consider the potential costs and savings associated with a realignment or closing; the economic impact on local communities; the ability of the infrastructure of both existing and potential receiving communities to support forces, missions, and personnel; and the potential environmental impact.

Who makes the decision?

The Department of Defense makes a detailed assessment of its facilities and submits a list of recommendations to the BRAC Commission, a nine-member panel nominated by the president. The commission reviews those recommendations. It can accept the department's plan or change it if it finds substantial deviation from the force structure plan.

The commission then sends its findings to the president. If the president agrees with the recommendations, they are sent to Congress. The president can send the recommendations back to the commission for revision.

Once approved by the president, Congress has 45 days to pass a resolution rejecting the findings. Unlike most legislation, Congress can't alter the recommendations. If the findings are not rejected in their entirety, they become binding.

When will the decision be made?

The Department of Defense's recommendations are to be made public by May 16, though many insiders say it could happen as soon as Tuesday and as late as Friday. The commission must report to the president by Sept. 8. The president must approve or disapprove the final recommendation by Nov. 7. Congress has 45 legislative days to act on the recommendation.